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Top Florence neighbourhoods

Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella's right next to the city’s main train station, and there are several palaces and gardens to explore, as well as stylish shopping streets. At the busy central market you can pic…

Santa Maria Novella's right next to the city’s main train station, and there are several palaces and gardens to explore, as well as stylish shopping streets. At the busy central market you can pick up some of Tuscany’s delicacies, from fragrant white truffles to salty pecorino cheese. The Santa Maria Novella church is well worth a visit too, with its intricately patterned facade and painted frescos.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo's namesake church is one of Florence’s largest and oldest and is home to some of the works of Michelangelo himself. The Galleria dell'Accademia and the San Marco Museum are a stroll aw…

San Lorenzo's namesake church is one of Florence’s largest and oldest and is home to some of the works of Michelangelo himself. The Galleria dell'Accademia and the San Marco Museum are a stroll away. In the central market, packed full of fresh local produce, pull up a chair and try a traditional tripe sandwich along with the locals, before wandering through the outdoor stalls to pick up some souvenirs.

Oltrarno

The Oltrarno neighborhood sits on the opposite side of the river to the historical center and it was, and mostly still is, a proud working class area. Its peaceful streets are home to many artisan…

The Oltrarno neighborhood sits on the opposite side of the river to the historical center and it was, and mostly still is, a proud working class area. Its peaceful streets are home to many artisan workshops and antique stores and it’s a great place to wander, stopping at some of its small bars and restaurants to refuel. For art head to the Palazzo Pitti, a stately old palace turned gallery.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce's church sits on a monumental piazza lined with tall elegant buildings painted in warm yellow hues. The district's many cafés…

Santa Croce's church sits on a monumental piazza lined with tall elegant buildings painted in warm yellow hues. The district's many cafés have mostly outdoor seating, and smartly dressed waiters weave through the tables carrying trays of espressos and sparkling wine. The narrow streets are packed with leather workers and shops, and the sweet scent of leather bags and belts fills the air.

Duomo

Right bang in the middle of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Duomo's named after the mighty dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore Church that rises up like…

Right bang in the middle of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Duomo's named after the mighty dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore Church that rises up like a beacon at the heart of the city. It’s a grand sight from afar, but close up its colorful patterned facade is even more impressive. Throngs of people gather in the large central square and the whole area buzzes with activity.

Hotel types

Florence hotels

So much about Florence comes down to the art of looking good. A center of the world’s artistic innovations for centuries, Florence was at the epicenter of the renaissance thanks to its artists, and its wealthy families’ patronage of them, and the masterpieces are still on show today in this much-altered city. From the always heaving Piazza della Signoria to the boutiques and brand names which outfit this generation of the Florentine elite, the city is a bustling and beautiful place where unsurpassable artistic genius rubs shoulders with gothic and renaissance architecture, not to mention the city’s jewel – the Uffizi.

Things to see

There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to architecture and majesty in Florence, but one of the city’s most astonishing sights is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Construction begun way back in the 13th Century, and this gothic masterpiece with its iconic dome – once the largest in the world – is probably the most recognisable feature of the Florentine skyline. You can also scale the heights of the tower for an unforgettable view of the city. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge made of stone which straddles the Arno River, and is the oldest of the city’s six bridges. Within its covered segments stand shops where jewelers and art dealers compete with souvenir sellers for your business. In the shadow of the Duomo, the Piazza del Duomo offers a place to unwind and take in the views of the cathedral from ground level, as well as being a perfect spot to unwind with a traditional gelato.

Hotels in Florence

In the city once run by the Medicis and still packed with renaissance art, you won’t be surprised to learn that luxury is always an option. There are plenty of five-star hotels in Florence, from villas to guesthouses with pillars, courtyards, and fountains. High-end hotels have a wide variety to offer, from outdoor pools and on-site spas to business centers. Mid-range hotels should offer as standard WiFi and flat-screen televisions, and most will also have in-room tea and coffee making facilities, too.

Where to stay

The area around Santa Maria Novella is hugely popular with tourists, thanks in part to the fact there are more reasonably priced options here than in many other quarters, but be sure to aim for the area between Santa Maria Novella and the river where you’ll find great nightlife, rather than the region near the train station which tends to be noisy, busy, and a little less glamorous than you’d hope for. As well as being central, the medieval alleys around the Duomo are close to the city’s famed architectural highpoints – not to mention the statue of David – with a stunning mix of baroque buildings and leafy squares.

How to get to

The city is served by the small Peretola Airport which sees arrivals from many destinations across the continent. A regular Vola in Bus service runs around every 30 minutes from the airport to the city center, taking around 15 minutes depending on traffic. As well as Peretola Airport, there are alternative flight options if you’re willing to travel a little further to Pisa Airport or Bologna, which both cater to budget airlines and are easily accessible from Florence. The city’s other main hub is Santa Maria Novella Station which connects Florence to cities across Tuscany, and Italy.

Most recent review

"The bed and breakfast was extremely clean and well taken care of. The room we stayed in was just wonderfully decorated and a really decent size. Breakfast was simple but all we needed to get going with our day. Thanks!"

Most recent review

"Great location right next to S M Novella station and short walk to SITA bus terminal. Poor signal for wifi and user and password need to be asked fr each custermers. The staff wont give us at the beginning but later they gave them to us. The user and password should b provided to every customer a..."

Most recent review

"So convenient for my own purpose, exhibition at the Fortessa. Very quiet and relaxed. Bar area a little lacking but nice enough. Breakfast excellent. Reception, Porters and waiters all very polite and professional. Top hotel."

Most recent review

"We liked being away from the congestion of the tourist area - but still close to the sights. Good restaurants nearby that are not filled with tourists. #17 bus stops right in front and it comes from the train station. The front desk staff is very helpful. The breakfast is a little sparse - but ad..."